License to Mine: Japan's Rare Earth Gambit Against China's Monopoly

Shaken Not Stirred: A Nation Awakens

Right let's cut to the chase. China's recent antics with rare earth exports have caused quite the stir haven't they? But unlike some nations who seem to be perpetually caught napping Japan's been playing this game for years. Think of it as a high stakes poker match – everyone's bluffing but only a few know how to read the tells. Back in 2010 when China decided to give Tokyo the cold shoulder over some territorial spat Japan didn't just cry foul; they got to work. It was a 'live and let die' moment for their supply chain.

Diamonds Are Forever: Stockpiling and Diversification

Now I'm no stranger to a good stockpile – whether it's gadgets from Q Branch or a cellar full of vintage Bollinger. Japan's approach to rare earths is no different. They've been quietly squirreling away resources recycling like it's going out of style and investing in alternatives faster than you can say 'shaken not stirred.' Their cleverest move? Backing Lynas the Australian rare earth producer becoming less reliant on China dropping from 90% to below 60%. A 'quantum of solace,' indeed.

The World Is Not Enough: The Western Wake Up Call

Seems the West is finally catching on to what Japan figured out ages ago. China's cornering of the rare earth market is a 'real problem,' as some bloke from Amaroq put it. A few suspended car productions later Western auto industry groups are now sweating bullets like a henchman facing my Walther PPK. Time to 'die another day' for business as usual I presume.

Goldfinger: The Key to Independence

The real Midas touch here isn't just about digging up rare earths; it's about processing them. Japan's smart investment in Lynas's processing facilities proves this. But as that Project Blue fellow Nils Backeberg pointed out they still have a way to go with heavy rare earths which are as rare as a discreet Bond girl. However Lynas claims of a breakthrough in heavy rare earths production outside of China might just change the game.

Tomorrow Never Dies: Alternatives and Collaboration

According to Niron Magnetics we need an all hands on deck approach – governments industries the works. Fast tracking permits backing alternatives the whole shebang. Europe's trying to get in on the action too with Solvay aiming to supply a decent chunk of the continent's needs. But to compete with China the West is gonna have to work together – 'for Queen and Country,' naturally.

The Spy Who Loved Me: Building a Rare Earth Alliance

Washington and Brussels working together? Now that's an alliance worthy of 007. But as Gracelin Baskaran at CSIS warns it's not all 'moonraker' rockets and glory. These nascent rare earth industries need support – tax credits subsidies the works. After all rare earths are everywhere from your Aston Martin to your Q Branch gadgets. So the mission should you choose to accept it is to build a non Chinese rare earth supply chain. The world is counting on you.